Bushel Basket

Gourd

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 110d to harvest Vine

Sink your senses into the warm, sunlit aroma and the satisfying, firm bite of Bushel Basket gourd—an heirloom-style showpiece wit…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 20th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 21st
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for a Bushel Basket (110-day) crop, and how do I stop it?

Bushel Basket plants (often grown like peppers/solanums) commonly suffer from blossom-end rot caused by irregular calcium uptake—most noticeable on developing fruits as dark, sunken patches. Keep soil moisture even by watering consistently (avoid letting beds dry out then flood), and before fruit sets, mix in compost and, if needed, apply a calcium source labeled for blossom-end rot according to the package. If you see it start, remove affected fruits so the plant can focus energy on new growth.

How often should I water during the main growing phase (around weeks 6–10) to keep Bushel Basket producing?

During the main growth period, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry; this is usually about 1–2 deep waterings per week depending on heat and soil type. Aim for steady moisture to about 6–8 inches deep so the roots don’t swing between drought and saturation. Mulch helps prevent surface drying, which is critical for steady fruit development in a 110-day crop.

How can I tell when my Bushel Basket is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety and reach a firm, mature size—typically starting around day ~100 and finishing by about day 110. Pick in the morning when they’re coolest; if the fruit gives slightly under gentle pressure and the skin looks glossy and evenly colored, it’s ready. Don’t wait for over-softening—leaving ripe fruit too long can slow new fruiting.

Sink your senses into the warm, sunlit aroma and the satisfying, firm bite of Bushel Basket gourd—an heirloom-style showpiece with thick, sturdy flesh that holds its character beautifully. At maturity, the fruit develops a classic basket-like form with a deep, mellow color and a subtly textured skin that feels substantial in the hand. Grow Bushel Basket for bold, sculptural gourds prized for decorative uses and for creating durable, long-lasting forms.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Sow or transplant only after nights are consistently warm and the soil has warmed, then give heavy early feeding to support the very large fruit set.